"Well at least we will travel in style to get there," Jag said as he lugged his luggage to the waiting Sekotian ship.
Jaina didn't answer as she looked over the ship from a distance. It looked like some aquatic monster ready to devour any unsuspecting creature that passed in its path. It was a large ship, as big as the Millennium Falcon, with a flat-bottom fish look that she saw many times while on Mon Calamari. It looked sleek and she has heard that it could burn ions with the fastest of the racing ships used in GA. At least that was what she has heard from Corran and others who flew the fighters that Sekot gave them to help defend Zonama during the Battle to Reclaim Sekot. Not that she would know anything about that; she had been rejected when she tried to bond with the seed partners.
"If you like flying around in the gut of fish, Colonel Fel," the soft cultured voice of Lieutenant Commander Yoder said from behind them. Joyce Yoder was a mid thirty-year-old bio-scientist that was representing the Empire in this little expedition to Zonama. The Empire has showed the same disbelieve that Chief of State Omas showed when Danni first proposed that the shapers be allowed to help repair the damage.
Jaina had mixed feelings about all of this, on one hand they could use the help of the Shapers in repairing the damage to many of the planets. The ecological warfare was still raging as the Yuuzhan Vong planets and animals left behind battled the original biosphere for supremacy. People were still dying from strange creatures that roam their forest, seas and air, how cities were overrun by plants that were a vicious, stubborn, destructive and as hard to kill and control as the Yuuzhan Vong warriors. Many of the tricks and chemicals the GA has employed have had no effect at slowing it down, let alone stopping them. Also, as she has bitterly complained before Ossus and much more openly since then, the Yuuzhan Vong has gotten off basically scot-free after Coruscant and didn't have to deal with the consequences of their actions or pay any penalty for their war. At least this way, they would be forced to clean up not only Coruscant but other planets as well.
The other side of the chip was the very idea that any Yuuzhan Vong should have free and unsupervised access to any planet anywhere made her skin crawl. She wanted them kept somewhere safe and being watched around the clock. Running around the galaxy, unsupervised, to cause who knew what kind of chaos after what they had done was not only idiotic but basically wasted the lives of all those who died to protect the GA in the first place. They should be out rounding up the rest of the Yuuzhan Vong and dropping them off not letting more of them lose.
But it was not her decision to make or even advise against, she was no longer a person with that kind influence. Since the death of Admiral Kre'fey at Ossus, the information that the Wraiths had found about the Vong Free, and her own action against Tahiri, she had lost considerable power. She had to resign from the Defense Fleet, was not yet allowed to travel unsupervised, basically she was on probation, and had to testified against the very people she had once worked closely with to protect the galaxy.
Now, I have to travel to the other side of the galaxy, following a master like some little child to see if it is worthwhile to grant Sekot the chance to help the galaxy. Jaina thought bitterly as she stood there, waiting for Danni to exit her ship. At least Jag is coming along for the ride.
Like Lt. Commander Yoder, his government, the Chiss, sent Jag to explore the question of Zonama Sekot claims that the Yuuzhan Vong were 'reformed'. The Chiss, a closed and secretive society, didn't normally get involved in any discussions with the GA about much. The embassy that Jag was assigned to was one of the smallest embassies found on Denon. That one and the one found at Bastion, which by all accounts still in the process of being rebuilt and repopulated, was mostly to keep the Ruling Families informed of what their larger and more troublesome neighbors were up to then to engage in any discussions. At least that was the opinion of many of the intelligent annalist she has read. Jag, of course, wouldn't confirm or deny any of that.
"From what I have heard Lt. Commander, this 'fish' could out fly most everything the GA or the Empire could produce," Jag said looking it over with a critical eye of a fighter pilot.
"Or the Chiss too I bet," Jaina said getting in a friendly little jab.
"I beg your pardon, Jedi Solo," Jag shot back with a raised eyebrow but a very hint of a smile that was there just for her.
"I wouldn't know anything about ships, Colonel," Yoder said with a superior tone of a typical Imperial citizen. "My area of expertise is biological not mechanical."
"From what I have heard about Sekotian ships, Commander, one needs to understand both," Jag said, "they somehow incorporate both living and mechanical components in to their ships."
"That fact was in my briefing also, Colonel," Yoder said. Jaina started paying more attention to the older woman and began to notice a quiet hunger as she stood there looking over the ship. As if she wanted to do nothing more then tear the ship apart and figure out how it ticks. "Hopefully, before we leave Zonama Sekot, I will be allowed to exam their process of ship building. It would be nice to see it once before my government slams the door shut on them."
"So you don't agree with the position of the Empire on the Yuuzhan Vong question," Jaina asked, trying to be as diplomatic as possible.
"On the contrary, I agree whole heartily with Grand Admiral Pellaeon's position on this matter. Only fools and Jedi would allow a defeated enemy any chance to stabbed them in the back again."
"Then why are you here," Jaina asked, wondering if they had to worry about her doing something to ruin the mission. The intelligent file claims she is what she appears to be but Jaina knew how easy it was to do that.
"Two reasons, one I was order to accompany this expedition," she then looked pointedly at Jaina, "unlike some I follow my orders regardless of my personal feelings." Jaina crossed her arms and stared daggers into the older woman, who acted like nonchalant about what she had just implied. Jag lightly brushed his left arm against her right arm as a gesture of support. Since the whole Vong Free was exposed ten months ago she had been the subject of many insults, veiled or openly, from her own side, which was getting beyond annoying but to get from their so-called allies was getting to be too much. "The second reason is the chance to actually see Zonama Sekot is much too good of a opportunity for any scientist to pass up. Regardless of the outcome of our trip, I suspect I will learn enough while there to open many avenues of inquiries when I return to the Empire."
"Do you think you will learn enough during our short visit to understand Zonama Sekot?" Jag asked sounding interested.
"Of course not Colonel," Yoder said, with a tone that had a hint of sadness and excitement rolled into one, "Zonama Sekot is too large, too complex to understand in the few short weeks will be there. It may be too large for anyone person to understand even after a lifetime study to understand. No, I hope to understand enough so that I can learn what questions to ask." Yoder turned back and looked over the ship with a critical eye again. "It is a shame that the Widowmaker was lost, all that information that they had collected about Zonama Sekot while in orbit would greatly assist us in understanding what to ask. I have interviewed some of the surviving crew members but unfortunately after all they had been through remembering obscure facts that they saw before being tossed around the galaxy is asking too much from even the best of the Empire." Yoder turned and gave a pointed look at Jaina, "at least there was a Jedi who knew what she was doing." Jag grabbed her arm in a vacuum grip and sent her a warning glance as Yoder turn back around to study the ship once more. "That you are here Solo is a surprise. Your obvious views on the Yuuzhan Vong are well known. It would almost seem that Chief of State Omas is dooming this proposal before it has a chance to began."
"No, Chief of State and Master Skywalker have high hopes that some kind of working arrangement could be reached with Sekot. I am here to assist Master Horn since he will be the commander of the mission as well as the Ambassador." Jaina hated that she was 'assigned' to help Corran. Yes, uncle Luke said it was important and yes her input would be used in the finial say when they got back and yes Corran was a great Jedi but he and her have been around each other way too much. She knew why too, unlike her parents and uncle and aunt, Corran didn't waste time sugarcoated anything. It was his responsibility to make sure what she had done before never happens again. Of all the jailers she could have been saddled with she had to admit, grudgingly, that he was the most effective one that they could have stuck her with.
"A pity that Jedi Tahiri Veila could not have accompanied us to Sekot," a sediment that Jaina agreed whole heartily with. She tried, unsuccessfully, to lobby Uncle Luke into tracking down the younger woman and get Tahiri to go instead of her. She cited that Tahiri and Corran have worked well in the past, that she was naturally better at investigations then Jaina was, and Sekot would be thrilled to see her again. Uncle Luke was strangely reluctant to allow anyone to track down Tahiri. For one thing, he had told her, sending Tahiri was something that Sekot would take as a sign that the agreement was agreed upon since it was still a major stumbling block in the negotiations. He still wanted more information as too why Sekot was so persistent in Sekot request for Tahiri. Jaina could careless why Sekot want her around. Jaina just want to make sure that the little freak was there so Sekot could help her and free her friend from the Vong influence. Jaina wished again that Anakin's spirit had contacted her before they rigged her X-wing to explode. If he had she could have talked to the freak and got her to go back, now Tahiri wouldn't listen to her no matter what she said. "This might be of interest to you Solo, your father and mother are quite famous in the Empire. Not many from the New Republic, err sorry, I meant the G.F.F.A." The Lt. Commander said turn slightly and giving her a superior smile.
"I am not surprise," Jaina said giving her an unfriendly smile in returned, "my parents have had a long career out-smarting Imperials." Then under her breath she added, "not that it could been that hard to do." Jag cleared his throat in warning and gave her a small jab in the side. The Imperial just looked at her like she was a bug under a microscope.
"Your Uncle and Aunt are also quite popular after the assistance given to the Empire in our hour of need. Of course, there is one young Jedi who is starting to out shine the rest in our worlds for the help so graciously given over the years."
"Of course you mean Jacen," Jaina said but was cut off by her laugh.
"No, Tahiri Veila, many in the Empire see her as a hero, regardless of her obvious poor taste in friends. Her actions at Esfandia, with the Widowmaker, and at Ossus were widely reported. It is nice to know there is one Jedi at least that the Empire can count on."
Jag had to tighten his grip to yank her back as Jaina took one step forward, the look he gave her spoke volumes about how unprofessional he felt she was being. She took a few deep breaths and calmed her self down, in a way Jag was right there was no reason to let this … woman get the better of her. "I let her know," Jaina said growling it out, "but she seems to have disappeared after she turned her back on everyone."
"Yes, I heard rumors to that affect," Yoder said turning back and giving Jaina that stupid smile again. "Many in the Empire view it a shame that she did leave the Jedi, with her around there might have been some hope for the rest of you."
Before Jaina could respond, Corran and Danni step out of her ship and crossed the tarmac to the three; Corran had a neutral look on his face while Danni had the smile that she always seems to be wearing.
"Danni, this is Lt. Commander Yoder, from Imperial Science Division and of course you already know Colonel Fel, from the Chiss Defense Forces and Jaina." Corran said as he reached them.
"Jaina it is wonderful to see you again," Danni said briefly embracing her, Jaina couldn't help by smile at her cheer. The time that she had spent on Zonama Sekot has really changed the older woman and for the better. "Colonel Fel, I am also pleased to know that you will be accompany us to Zonama."
"It is my pleasure Ambassador," Jag said giving her a small bow.
"Lt. Commander Yoder, it is a pleasure to meet you also. I was told by your embassy that you have a degree in bio-engineering, is that correct?" Danni said with a warm smile.
"Yes, Ambassador Quee," Yoder said giving her a small bow like Jag gave her.
"Wonderful," Danni said with her eyes sparkling, "please call me Danni and I hope you won't mind if I talk shop so to speak on our way there. I have made some head way into the secrets of Zonama Sekot as well as the Yuuzhan Vong but my other duties don't allow me the time to discuss them with anyone."
"I would be delighted, ma'am. I was hoping I could asked you a question or two during my stay."
"Danni, Jaina and I have to get some more supplies, we will meet you on board," Corran said as the two women started talking in terms that Jaina wasn't sure was Basic. Neither woman seemed to hear him as they waked across the tarmac to the ship.
"Well, this should be a fascinating trip," Jag said dryly.
"I'm starting to think we need 3PO to translate for us," Corran said watching them walk away. "Well let's get loaded the sooner we leave the sooner we can get back."
"He is on his way up," Alema said from her seat near the view port, her legs draped over the chair and drinking some kind of alcohol from Bakura. Grodin absently nodded as he looked over the report one of his people had gathered on their 'guest'. Grodin was never surprised when scum tried to rip them off, even after all the perks and benefits they provide to the smugglers. They were scum and they would steal, it was that simple. The captain's office door swooshed opened and the captain of the freighter that was connected to their frigate, Vinganca, walked in strutting around likes a buffoon. His second, a competent woman who had first alerted them to the unauthorized loans her boss was taking, at least had the brains to look nervously around the cabin. Grodin was sure that she would be able to handle the ship and crew after her promotion, especially after this little demonstration.
"We found some problems with your bookkeeping," Grodin started without looking up from his pad as he heard the captain grunt in pain. Looking over at Alema he saw her squeeze her left hand. She didn't look at him; she just looked out the window sipping her drink. "We are sure Captain Bobby, you will take care of these problems and insure that they are not repeated in the future." The new captain watched in horror as her former boss dropped to his knees and clutching his chest. "I already have my techs working on your papers and transponders, Captain Bobby. As soon as they are complete, we would appreciate if you could finish the delivery to Kidriff 5."
"I will do my best sir," Captain Bobby said unable to take her eyes off the tortured form that was her former boss as he gasped out his last breath and became still.
"I know you will, dismissed," Grodin said with a smile. After she left, fled more likely, and the YVH removed the trash he got up and sat down across from Alema with his own less potent drink, "you are getting better at that."
"I must admit that this method does have its advantages," she said with a cheery smile, "unlike Skywalker's ways, I don't have to repeat myself."
"True, except the draw back of course is you are leaving a very clear calling card for the Jedi to follow."
"If they can find me," she said with a sly smile, "besides Tahiri might hear about it and come do her own investigation."
"She is still with the Wraiths," he said for the millionth time, "a team like that does not get scrubbed. They either gave them a new name or new identities or something but they are still out there."
"You don't know that for sure …"
"Yes, I do," he grounded out, "the fact is no one has reported seeing her in 7 months since they made the announcement. Fact we know since we have been looking for her. No one has spot anything that even hints at her running her own ship."
"It is a big galaxy out there …"
"Not that big," Grodin said with a sigh, Alema just glared out the view port, "besides we are not ready to face them yet …"
"You mean you are not ready," Alema said eyes flashing.
"Us Alema, we are partners after all," he replied evenly, "and when we do take on the Wraiths it will be on our terms not theirs."
"I can take that …"
"I have no doubts what so ever that you can, however dear Alema," he said getting a grip on his anger, "the others, while not Jedi, are formable enough to slow you down and she might be able to escape. If we take on one of them we had better be ready to take them all down especially if we plan to make her suffer before we kill her."
"Any more 'administrative' issue to deal with today," Alema said sarcastically.
"No, so far most of the smugglers we have on the pay role are willing to keep their fingers out of the spice jar. They seem to like the idea of smuggling something that they can't go to jail for, yet anyways."
"Good," Alema said staring out the window, "anyone have a clue yet to what Bliss is?"
"Not yet, however, Kidriff 5 is starting to get cases back up in their courts. They were our first test market, not bad after only 2 months of selling there."
"Why Kidriff 5," she asked in a sly voice. So far he has been able to keep that a secret and want to for a while longer. If she knew that was the home world of Tahiri's reported closest friend Alema might push things faster then he was ready to proceed with. His contact there was to seek Ratnena Bora out and deal with her in any manner he chose. If Tahiri learns of her fate, it might just drag her out of hiding. The contact knew none of this, he was just told who the target and how much extra income, a bonus, he would receive once the job was done.
"It is a surprise my Jedi friend," he said allowing a hint of a smile show through, "one that if everything works out you will enjoy immensely."
